Sedum is a genus comprising over 280 species in the northern hemisphere (North America, Europe, and Asia), and Sedum morganianum is without a doubt the most well-known and widely cultivated of the about 100 Sedum species Stephenson (1994) identified for Mexico. Sedum morganianum, also known as “Cola de borrego” or “Cola de burro” in Mexico, is also known as “Burro’s tail” or “Donkey’s tail” in English due to the long stems’ resemblance to an animal’s tail. A very popular plant for hanging baskets is the burro’s tail. Growing perfect specimens, however, may be quite a challenge because the lovely, pale green leaves fall off at the least touch. Fortunately, every removed leaf can quickly recover to create new plants. It makes an excellent basket plant for the garden, greenhouse, or windowsill thanks to its pendent habit of growth, which hangs vertically.
Donkey Tail is a Mexican native. For hanging baskets, it produces a beautiful succulent plant. The spindle-shaped leaves are formed in a silver-blue colour. Pendulous branches may reach 3 feet or more in baskets. The common name is derived from the plant’s growth pattern, which results in long, trailing stems that resemble ropes and are densely covered with leaves. It rarely blooms, but when it does, the flowers range in colour from pink to deep red. It grows nicely in a wall pot or a hanging basket and needs good drainage, some shade, and wind protection. This sedum is delicate and is frequently grown as a houseplant. This plant can be easily propagated by dropping a single leaf or a stem onto sandy soil. It only takes a few days for it to root and produce fresh “leaflets.”
